AG:PT/T122 Torsional recovery of polymer modified binders

COMMENTARY TO AG:PT/T122 - TORSIONAL RECOVERY

OF POLYMER MODIFIED BINDERS
PREFACE
This test method was prepared by the Bituminous Surfacing Research Reference Group on
behalf of the Austroads. Representatives of Austroads, ARRB Group and the Australian
Asphalt Pavement Association have been involved in the development and review of this
test method.

FOREWORD
Polymer modified binders (PMBs) are thought to provide benefits due to their increased
elastic behaviour. A simple means of determining the elastic properties of a PMB is to
measure its torsional recovery. The torsional recovery test is simple and can be readily
utilised for routine quality control purposes.

SCOPE
This test method sets out the procedure for the determination of torsional recovery of PMBs
using a simple bolt and cup assembly.

Further Development
There are no further plans for the development of this test method.

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 AG:PT/T122 Torsional recovery of polymer modified binders

TORSIONAL RECOVERY OF POLYMER MODIFIED

BINDERS
1 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
The following documents are referred to in this method:

AUSTROADS

AG:PT/T101 Method of sampling polymer modified binders, polymers and crumb

rubber

AG:PT/T102 Protocol for handling polymer modified binders in the laboratory

AS /NZS

2341 Methods of testing bitumen and related roadmaking products.

2341.12 Method 12: Determination of penetration.

E1 Standard specification for ASTM thermometers.

2 PRINCIPLE
The torsional recovery apparatus operates by manually rotating an aluminium bolt,
previously embedded in a cup of modified binder, through an angle of 180 degrees and
measuring the extent of recovery of the original applied rotation. The initial 180 degree twist
is applied with a spanner over a 10 second period. The recovery after 30 seconds is
reported.

3 APPARATUS
The following apparatus is required:

a. Bolt assembly - a cylindrical headed aluminium bolt assembly, as illustrated in Fig. 1,

with a total mass of 45 ± 5 g. The bolt has a cylindrical head with a diameter of 28.6
mm and a thickness of 9.52 mm. The threaded shank of the bolt is 44.5 mm long. A
metal “spider”, with three radial pins and two nuts, can be used to centre the
assembly. A pointer is required for angle measurements in the absence of the
spider. See Fig. 1 for details of this assembly and the optional components.

b. Sample tin - sample tin of 80 to 85 mL capacity and internal diameter 51 to 52 mm.

A penetration can, as defined in AS2341.12, is suitable.

c. Angle measuring device - angle measuring device and sample clamp assembly, or
an alternative means of clamping the sample/bolt assembly and determining the
initial and recovered angle. The recommended device provides a scale, of 80 mm
radius and graduated in degrees around at least half its circumference, and a clamp
capable of holding the sample cup within 3 mm of its centre and without deforming
the cup by more than 3 mm in any direction.

d. Water bath - capable of operating at 25 ± 0.5°C, fitted with an appropriate

thermometer.
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Note: A suitable thermometer is an IP 39 C, or ASTM 90C, as specified in ASTM E 1.

e. Forced convection oven - capable of operating in the range 60°C to 200°C, with a
setpoint accuracy of ± 5°C.

f. Stop-watch

g. Spanner - to suit the bolt assembly.

4 PROCEDURE

4.1 General
PMBs are complex mixtures of polymers and a variety of petroleum products. If handled in
accordance with the directions of the suppliers, there should be no significant risk. The
hazard of burns with PMBs is greater than with standard bitumens, due to the (normally)
higher handling temperatures. It is recommended that notices, describing the action to be
taken in the event of bitumen or PMB burns, should be displayed in the laboratory in the
areas where bitumen and PMBs are handled. A suitable warning could be as follows:

WARNING: HOT BITUMEN & PMBs CAN CAUSE BURNS

The following precautions should be taken when handling bitumen, or PMBs:

a. Eye protection, such as safety glasses and/or face shields, shall be worn when
handling hot bitumen or PMBs.

b. Heat-resistant gloves, with close-fitting cuffs, and other suitable protective clothing,
shall be worn when handling hot bitumen or PMBs.

c. There shall be no smoking while handling hot bitumen or PMBs.

d. While the material is still cold, loosen the lid of the sample container (invert the can
and warm the lid, if necessary), or punch a hole in the lid.

e. Examine the cold sample for the presence of water. If water is thought to be present,
drain most of it out, or blow with clean compressed air to evaporate the free water.

4.2 Sample Preparation

Samples for testing shall be provided in accordance with AG:PT/T101 and AG:PT/T102.

4.3 Measurement
a. Assemble the bolt, spider and nuts to position the surface of the bolt head 8 ± 2 mm
below the top of the sample cup.

b. Preheat the assembly and cup to 180°C.

c. Pour the modified binder into the cup assembly, until it begins to form a meniscus on
the top surface of the bolt.

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d. Allow the assembly to cool for one hour by leaving it to stand at room temperature
(25 ± 3°C). Adjust the assembly height to keep the top surface of the bolt flush with
the sample surface.

e. Place the assembly into the 25°C water bath and allow it to stabilise for one hour
(see Note 1).

f. Adjust the spider to a position 7 ± 2 mm above the rim and return the assembly to the
bath.

g. Place the sample assembly on the base-plate and fit the pointer to the 180 degree
position without disturbing the sample.

h. Using the spanner, turn the bolt moving the pointer from the 180 degree position to
the zero position using a steady motion for 10 seconds (see Note 2).

i. Release the bolt when the pointer reaches the zero position and commence timing
(see Note 3).

j. Record the recovered angle after 30 seconds as A.

5 CALCULATION
The Torsional Recovery is given by the following equation:

A
Torsional Recovery, % = 100 /180
where

A = recovered angle, in degrees.

6 INFORMATION TO BE REPORTED
Report the Torsional Recovery as the mean of two results, together with the temperature of
the test and the Recovery Time.

7 PRECISION
No inter-laboratory testing has been conducted on the range of PMBs currently available.

Notes
1. The test should be conducted in an air conditioned laboratory at 25 ± 3°C.
Alternatively, the test can be conducted within the water bath.
2. The rate at which the torque is applied to the sample is critical for reproducible
results. The objective is to apply 180 degrees of rotation in 10 seconds. Figure 2
presents a practical scale marked from zero (0 degrees) to 10 (180 degrees) to help
with this task.
3. The spider assembly should not come into contact with the rim of the cup at any time
during the recovery phase.

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28.6 mm

9.5 mm

Spider with 3 arms

grooved to assist initial Total
location with the rim of mass of
the penetration cup. spider,
nuts, shaft
and disk
assembly
45 g

Not Drawn to Scale Tolerance on mass 1 g, dimensions 0.1 mm

Fig. 1 Cylindrical headed aluminium bolt assembly

1 0 1
2 2

90 100 90
3 3
80 percent recovery 80

70 70
4 4
60 60

5 50 50 5

40 40
6 6
30 30

20 20
7 7
10 10
0

8 8

9 9
10
loading time in seconds

Figure 2 Practical Scale marked from 0 To 10 seconds (0 To 100 percent recovery)

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AMENDMENT RECORD
Amendment No. Clauses amended Action Date

1 Commentary Page New June 2005

Footer and header Format

Applied revised test method number Format

Applied new styles Format

2 Applied new test method numbers Substitution March 2006

Moved notes to end of method Format

Key

Format Change in format

Substitution Old clause removed and replaced with new clause

New Insertion of new clause

Removed Old clauses removed

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